America250 & Don't Give Up the Ship
Celebrate America's 250th Anniversary with our America250 Collection of a thoughtfully curated selection of gifts, flags, keepsakes, apparel, and commemorative items inspired by the nation's rich history and enduring spirit.
The famous phrase “Don’t Give Up the Ship” is attributed to Captain James Lawrence, a US Naval Officer during the War of 1812. Lawrence commanded the USS Chesapeake, and during a fierce battle with the British ship HMS Shannon on June 1, 1813, he was mortally wounded. As he was carried below deck, he reportedly uttered the order to his men, “Don’t Give Up the Ship.”
Lawrence’s words became a rallying cry for the American Navy. The phrase symbolized determination, perseverance, and the refusal to surrender, serving as a source of inspiration for American sailors during the war.
After Lawrence’s death, his friend and fellow Naval Officer, Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, commissioned Margaret Forster Steuart to make a flag with the words Don’t Give UP the Ship. Perry famously flew the flag during the Battle of Lake Erie in September of 1813. Perry’s victory in that battle, where he defeated a British squadron, helped turn the tide of the war in favor of the United States. Today, “Don’t Give Up the Ship” remains a well-known motto, representing resilience and courage in the face of adversity.
